Happy Chinese and Lunar New Year! Don’t miss out on the celebrations and festivals around Metro Vancouver this weekend. Read on for our top picks for things to do in Vancouver this Friday through Sunday…

Photo Credit – Talking Stick Festival (facebook)

14th Annual Full Circle: Talking Stick Festival; February 17 – March 1 @ all over Metro VancouverPrices vary; flex passes available
Explore Aboriginal culture through the arts! This vibrant citywide festival provides a stage for extraordinary Aboriginal artists; established and emerging, national and international, performing live theatre, music, dance and storytelling. Select events for sale through Tickets Tonight.

Photo Credit – Chutzpah! Festival

2015 Chutzpah! Festival; February 19 – March 15 @ Norman Rothstein Theatre (950 W 41st Ave at Oak St), VancouverPrices vary; Chutzi Pack available
The Chutzpah! (pronounced: ho’ots-pä) Festival is a dynamic, multi-disciplinary performing arts festival which takes place every February over a four-week period. Embracing a broad spectrum of high-caliber programming in dance, theatre and music, the festival features a wealth of extraordinary work by emerging and established artists from across Canada and around the world. Talk to Tickets Tonight for tickets!

Friday February 20th

Photo Credit – Science World

Science World After Dark; 6:00PM-10:00PM @ TELUS World of Science (1455 Quebec St), Vancouver$25.50, +$6 for OMNIMAX film; other pricing in effect; 19+ only
Check out Science World and mix, mingle and discover science like a kid – without the kids! Start the fun with a 6PM showing of the new OMNIMAX® film, Island of Lemurs: Madagascar, then explore the science centre in a 19+ atmosphere, including Animation, our new feature exhibition!

Alton Brown Live!: The Edible Inevitable Tour; 8:00PM @ Orpheum Theatre (601 Smithe St at Seymour St), downtown Vancouver$58.75-126.50
Renowned foodist and television personality Alton Brown is coming to Vancouver! The Food Network star’s show features a pinch of comedy, talk show antics, a multimedia lecture, live music (he sings!) and a dash of “extreme” food experimentation (ponchos are provided for those in the first few rows), and of course … puppets. More info at the link!

Lunarfest; 11:00AM-7:00PM @ Vancouver Art Gallery plaza (W Georgia St at Howe St)Free admission
Canada’s premier presenter of contemporary expression in Asian arts and culture. From live performances, demonstrations, cooking competitions, lantern displays, and the ever popular dumpling fest, there’s bound to be something for everyone in the family. Don’t miss this year’s Sheep Parade and the interactive light display when the sun sets! On through February 22.

Photo Credit – Granville Island (facebook)

Winterruption 2015; times vary @ Granville Island, VancouverFree and ticketed events
Take a February break from the cold, grey winter for a burst of colourful art, music and dance! Art is at the heart of Winterruption, and it’s bigger than ever for the 10th year celebration! Bring the entire family and check out the amazing array of culinary, arts and poetry, music, theatre & dance, film, and kid-related events all throughout the weekend. On through February 22.

37th Vancouver International Wine Festival; times vary @ locations around Metro VancouverPrices vary; 19+ only
1,750+ wines • 14 countries • 170 wineries • 53 events • 8 days! The Vancouver International Wine Festival welcomes the world’s greatest wine producers and wine drinkers to an annual weeklong celebration of wine and food. From educational wine seminars, tastings and minglers to lunches, winery dinners, and the ever-popular Vintners Brunch, you’ll be sure to find something to please your palate. This year, the spotlight is on Australia as the 2015 Theme Country and the Global Focus is Syrah+Shiraz. On through March 1.

Photo Credit – Northwest Comedy Fest

NorthWest Comedy Fest; times vary @ locations in Metro VancouverPrices varyStand up. Improv. Other stuff. The NWCF will be bringing you your stand up favourites and championing the up and comers you didn’t even know you loved. Don’t miss the podcasts and all ages events. On through February 21.

Leftcoast/Eastcoast Improv Series; 8:00PM-11:00PM @ Western Front Society (303 E 8th Ave), Vancouver$20; other pricing in effect
In 1965, legendary saxophonist/composer John Coltrane released his seminal work, A Love Supreme. In honour of the 50th anniversary of this recording, NOW Society and Western Front co-presents a celebration of all things Coltrane. On through February 21; click the link for the full events list.

Photo Credit – Ballet BC

Ballet BC: Miami City Baller’s Balanchine; 8:00PM @ Queen Elizabeth Theatre (630 Hamilton St at W Georgia St), downtown Vancouver$40-98.50; other pricing in effect
Ballet BC is delighted to bring Vancouver audiences Miami City Ballet for the first time in an evening of masterworks by George Balanchine, representing different periods in his career. Balanchine, a pioneer of contemporary ballet, redefined the classical tradition in new and progressive ways in the mid-20th century. On through February 21; tickets through Ticketmaster available at Tickets Tonight. Click the link for more info.

BC Home + Garden Show; 12:00PM-9:00PM @ BC Place (777 Pacific Blvd), downtown Vancouver$12 online, $15 at the door; other pricing in effectThe most trusted resource for every home improvement project, inside and out. With expert insights from local and internationally celebrated home, horticulture and landscaping specialists, live-action culinary demonstrations from Vancouver’s top chefs, plus more than 425 exhibitors and a slew of exciting new features designed to whip any home or garden into shape, there’s real advice, real inspiration and real experts at every turn. On through February 22.

Robson Square Ice Skating; 9:00AM-11:00PM @ Robson Square (800 Robson St), downtown VancouverFree admission; skate + helmet rentals $4The Ice Rink is open again for the winter season! Skating is free with your own skates, otherwise rentals are available. The rink also features a concession stand with snacks and warm drinks. Open through February 28.

Photo Credit – Emily Dickinson at Roedde House Museum (facebook)

The Belle of Amherst; 7:30PM @ Roedde House Museum (1415 Barclay St), West End, downtown Vancouver$25, limited seating
Step into the exquisite Victorian Roedde House parlour for tea and town gossip with the brilliant, witty, and enigmatic 19th century poet Emily Dickinson, The Belle of Amherst. This multi-award-winning one-woman play is based on the reclusive genius’ writings and poetry. On through March 1; more info at the link.

Mendelssohn’s Great Hymn of Praise; 8:00PM @ Chan Centre for the Performing Arts (), University of British Columbia, Vancouver$37-65; other pricing in effect
Mendelssohn’s extraordinary symphonic cantata Hymn of Praise, greatly influenced by Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, was commissioned to celebrate the 400th anniversary of a seminal moment in human history: the invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg. Appropriately, Mendelssohn chose the Bible as the subject matter for this commission, and created a work that has been celebrated through the centuries for its sublime beauty. Alternate performance on February 21.

Saturday February 21st

Photo Credit – Vancouver International Wine Festival

37th Vancouver International Wine Festival; times vary @ locations around Metro VancouverPrices vary; 19+ only
1,750+ wines • 14 countries • 170 wineries • 53 events • 8 days! The Vancouver International Wine Festival welcomes the world’s greatest wine producers and wine drinkers to an annual weeklong celebration of wine and food. From educational wine seminars, tastings and minglers to lunches, winery dinners, and the ever-popular Vintners Brunch, you’ll be sure to find something to please your palate. This year, the spotlight is on Australia as the 2015 Theme Country and the Global Focus is Syrah+Shiraz. On through March 1.

Burnaby Lyric Opera: Madama Butterfly; 8:00PM-10:00PM @ Shadbolt Centre for the Arts (6450 Deer Lake Ave), Burnaby$35; other pricing in effect
Puccini’s magnificent music soars throughout this heartbreaking story of love, betrayal, and the clashing of two cultures in the late 1890’s. Madama Butterfly is one of the world’s most popular operas and has some of the most beautiful music ever written, including the famous aria “Un Bel Di” and the unforgettable Love Duet. Alternate performances throughout February. Click the link for more info on the story.

Photo Credit – Home and Garden Events (facebook)

BC Home + Garden Show; 10:00AM-9:00PM @ BC Place (777 Pacific Blvd), downtown Vancouver$12 online, $15 at the door; other pricing in effectThe most trusted resource for every home improvement project, inside and out. With expert insights from local and internationally celebrated home, horticulture and landscaping specialists, live-action culinary demonstrations from Vancouver’s top chefs, plus more than 425 exhibitors and a slew of exciting new features designed to whip any home or garden into shape, there’s real advice, real inspiration and real experts at every turn. On through February 22.

Robson Square Ice Skating; 9:00AM-11:00PM @ Robson Square (800 Robson St), downtown VancouverFree admission; skate + helmet rentals $4The Ice Rink is open again for the winter season! Skating is free with your own skates, otherwise rentals are available. The rink also features a concession stand with snacks and warm drinks. Open through February 28.

Photo Credit – NOW Society

Leftcoast/Eastcoast Improv Series; 4:00PM-10:00PM @ Western Front Society (303 E 8th Ave), Vancouver$20; other pricing in effect
In 1965, legendary saxophonist/composer John Coltrane released his seminal work, A Love Supreme. In honour of the 50th anniversary of this recording, NOW Society and Western Front co-presents a celebration of all things Coltrane. On through February 21; click the link for the full events list.

Winterruption 2015; times vary @ Granville Island, VancouverFree and ticketed events
Take a February break from the cold, grey winter for a burst of colourful art, music and dance! Art is at the heart of Winterruption, and it’s bigger than ever for the 10th year celebration! Bring the entire family and check out the amazing array of culinary, arts and poetry, music, theatre & dance, film, and kid-related events all throughout the weekend. On through February 22.

Photo Credit – Miami City Ballet

Ballet BC: Miami City Baller’s Balanchine; 8:00PM @ Queen Elizabeth Theatre (630 Hamilton St at W Georgia St), downtown Vancouver$40-98.50; other pricing in effect
Ballet BC is delighted to bring Vancouver audiences Miami City Ballet for the first time in an evening of masterworks by George Balanchine, representing different periods in his career. Balanchine, a pioneer of contemporary ballet, redefined the classical tradition in new and progressive ways in the mid-20th century. Don’t miss tonight’s Pre-Show Reception at 7PM. Tickets through Ticketmaster available at Tickets Tonight. Click the link for more info.

NorthWest Comedy Fest; times vary @ locations in Metro VancouverPrices varyStand up. Improv. Other stuff. The NWCF will be bringing you your stand up favourites and championing the up and comers you didn’t even know you loved. Don’t miss the podcasts and all ages events. On through February 21.

Nat Bailey Winter Market (to April 25); 10:00AM-2:00PM @ Nat Bailey Stadium (4601 Ontario St), VancouverFree admissionDon’t miss out on winter produce and artisanal products at our local farmers’ markets! Check out the markets every Saturday for the freshest seasonal produce and products. Featuring live entertainment and a variety of different vendors. A great place to bring the whole family!

The Belle of Amherst; 7:30PM @ Roedde House Museum (1415 Barclay St), West End, downtown Vancouver$25, limited seating
Step into the exquisite Victorian Roedde House parlour for tea and town gossip with the brilliant, witty, and enigmatic 19th century poet Emily Dickinson, The Belle of Amherst. This multi-award-winning one-woman play is based on the reclusive genius’ writings and poetry. On through March 1; more info at the link.

Lunar New Year Celebration; 12:30PM-5:00PM @ Lansdowne Centre (5300 No. 3 Rd), RichmondFree
This year’s celebration will include a variety of multicultural performances ranging from the Lion Dance, Chinese Opera, ballroom dance, hip hop dance, folk dance, kung fu and taekwondo demos, along with booths for Chinese calligraphy and crafts. All fundraising proceeds at the event go to the Richmond Food Bank. Click the link for the day’s schedule!

Photo Credit – Aberdeen Centre (facebook)

CNY Cultural Celebrations; 1:00PM-4:00PM @ Aberdeen Centre (4151 Hazelbridge Way), RichmondFree
The most talented performers in town take the Aberdeen Centre stage on the first weekend of Chinese New Year. Featuring over 250 artists from the Vancouver Academy of Dance, B.C. Chinese Music Association, and Colors of Dance Academy. On through February 22.

Abstract Painting Workshop; 1:00PM-3:00PM @ Richmond Art Gallery (7700 Minoru Gate), Richmond Cultural Centre, Richmond
$15, 16+; pre-registration required
Explore working with abstraction and colour to complete a finished acrylic painting in this one day workshop with Jeremy Hof. All skill levels welcome and all materials will be provided. Click the link for more info!

Photo Credit – Grouse Mountain

Chinese New Year at Grouse Mountain; 9:00AM-10:00PM @ Grouse Mountain (6400 Nancy Greene Way), North Vancouver$79.95 family ticket for up to 8 family members; other pricing in effect
Usher in the Year of the Sheep with a variety of family-friendly activities including crafts, a goat petting experience, skating, lantern release… and much more! Click the link for the full day’s events.

RunGo Dash For Dogs; 9:00AM-11:00AM @ Stanley Park Brockton Pavilion (1151 Stanley Park Dr), Stanley Park, downtown Vancouver$20 minimum donationA guided 10km, 5km or 2km run or walk through Stanley Park with 100% of proceeds go to BC and Alberta Guide Dogs. A fun, non-competitive, run or walk! There are no set start times so participants can start anytime . This unique event will have no race markers and will be navigated digitally by using the RunGo App. Expect unconventional categories for prizes, free food and surprises!

Mendelssohn’s Great Hymn of Praise; 8:00PM @ Chan Centre for the Performing Arts (), University of British Columbia, Vancouver$37-65; other pricing in effect
Mendelssohn’s extraordinary symphonic cantata Hymn of Praise, greatly influenced by Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, was commissioned to celebrate the 400th anniversary of a seminal moment in human history: the invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg. Appropriately, Mendelssohn chose the Bible as the subject matter for this commission, and created a work that has been celebrated through the centuries for its sublime beauty. Alternate performance on February 20.

Sheep! – Photo Credit – LunarFest

Lunarfest; 11:00AM-7:00PM @ Vancouver Art Gallery plaza (W Georgia St at Howe St)Free admission
Canada’s premier presenter of contemporary expression in Asian arts and culture. From live performances, demonstrations, cooking competitions, lantern displays, and the ever popular dumpling fest, there’s bound to be something for everyone in the family. Don’t miss this year’s Sheep Parade and the interactive light display when the sun sets! On through February 22.

Sunday February 22nd

Photo Credit – NatDecantsWine (twitter)

37th Vancouver International Wine Festival; times vary @ locations around Metro VancouverPrices vary; 19+ only
1,750+ wines • 14 countries • 170 wineries • 53 events • 8 days! The Vancouver International Wine Festival welcomes the world’s greatest wine producers and wine drinkers to an annual weeklong celebration of wine and food. From educational wine seminars, tastings and minglers to lunches, winery dinners, and the ever-popular Vintners Brunch, you’ll be sure to find something to please your palate. This year, the spotlight is on Australia as the 2015 Theme Country and the Global Focus is Syrah+Shiraz. On through March 1.

Winterruption 2015; times vary @ Granville Island, VancouverFree and ticketed events
Take a February break from the cold, grey winter for a burst of colourful art, music and dance! Art is at the heart of Winterruption, and it’s bigger than ever for the 10th year celebration! Bring the entire family and check out the amazing array of culinary, arts and poetry, music, theatre & dance, film, and kid-related events all throughout the weekend.

Photo Credit – BC Place (facebook)

BC Home + Garden Show; 10:00AM-6:00PM @ BC Place (777 Pacific Blvd), downtown Vancouver$12 online, $15 at the door; other pricing in effectThe most trusted resource for every home improvement project, inside and out. With expert insights from local and internationally celebrated home, horticulture and landscaping specialists, live-action culinary demonstrations from Vancouver’s top chefs, plus more than 425 exhibitors and a slew of exciting new features designed to whip any home or garden into shape, there’s real advice, real inspiration and real experts at every turn. On through February 22.

CNY Cultural Celebrations; 1:00PM-4:00PM @ Aberdeen Centre (4151 Hazelbridge Way), RichmondFree
The most talented performers in town take the Aberdeen Centre stage on the first weekend of Chinese New Year. Featuring over 250 artists from the Vancouver Academy of Dance, B.C. Chinese Music Association, and Colors of Dance Academy.

Photo Credit – Chinese Benevolent Association

42nd Chinatown Spring Festival Parade & Lion Dances; 11:00AM @ Millennium Gate (E Pender St, between Shanghai Alley & Taylor St), Chinatown, VancouverFree
An annual cultural extravaganza not to be missed! This signature event of Vancouver’s Chinatown will feature lion dances, cultural dance troupes, marching bands, martial arts performances and much more. Celebrate the Year of the Sheep/Goat/Ram with the sights and sounds of the festivities! Click the link for more information.

Robson Square Ice Skating; 9:00AM-9:00PM @ Robson Square (800 Robson St), downtown VancouverFree admission; skate + helmet rentals $4
The Ice Rink is open again for the winter season! Skating is free with your own skates, otherwise rentals are available. The rink also features a concession stand with snacks and warm drinks. Open through February 28.

Photo Credit – Vancouver Academy of Music (facebook)

Vancouver Academy of Music: Notes of Defiance; 2:00PM @ Orphuem Theatre (601 Smithe St at Seymour St), downtown Vancouver$10; other pricing in effect
100+ musicians comprising the VAM Symphony Orchestra will unleash their collective passion for a performance of Shostakovich Symphony #5. The concert also features the solo debut of one of Canada’s most promising musicians, Grace Sohn (cello) performing Tchaikovsky’s charming Rococo Variations. Click the link for the full event programme.

Port Moody Winter Farmers Market (until April 26); 10:00AM-2:00PM @ Port Moody Recreation Complex (300 Ioco Rd), Port MoodyFree admissionDon’t miss out on winter produce and artisanal products at our local farmers’ markets! Check out the markets on Sundays for the freshest seasonal produce and products. Featuring entertainment and a variety of different vendors. A great place to bring the whole family!

Lunarfest; 11:00AM-7:00PM @ Vancouver Art Gallery plaza (W Georgia St at Howe St)Free admission
Canada’s premier presenter of contemporary expression in Asian arts and culture. From live performances, demonstrations, cooking competitions, lantern displays, and the ever popular dumpling fest, there’s bound to be something for everyone in the family. Don’t miss this year’s Sheep Parade and the interactive light display when the sun sets! On through February 22.

The Belle of Amherst; 3:00PM @ Roedde House Museum (1415 Barclay St), West End, downtown Vancouver$25, limited seating
Step into the exquisite Victorian Roedde House parlour for tea and town gossip with the brilliant, witty, and enigmatic 19th century poet Emily Dickinson, The Belle of Amherst. This multi-award-winning one-woman play is based on the reclusive genius’ writings and poetry. On through March 1; more info at the link.

87th Academy Awards Viewing Party; doors 3:00PM @ Rio Theatre (1660 E Broadway), VancouverFree admission
Head to the Rio for the annual Oscar viewing party, a live televised broadcast of the Academy Awards! This year’s awards are hosted by Neil Patrick Harris. There will be contests and trivia games to keep you entertained during those commercial breaks!

More events on our events calendar here and here. Where will you be this weekend? Leave a comment below, or tweet me at @vikkiwkl!

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One Response to Things To Do In Vancouver This Weekend

What about THIS weekend, what’s goin’ AWN?! Clicked on your answer to Google search “Events Vancouver Sat. March 14 2015” which linked to your (latest?) post dated February 19th.. Or do i hafta click on a different link for THIS weekend? Saw crowds everywhere today, along with backed-up traffic.. including what looked like a big white tent-like structure blocking Granville traffic (near Robson) @ 7-ish but didn’t have time to go & see..
Curious & a lil confused~!

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